Chapter 605 Hidden Worries at the Qiao Residence
After the host family had all gone inside, Madam He, along with several maids and servants, began to distribute candy and copper coins to the onlookers.
The crowd scrambled to grab it, creating a lively scene.
After everyone had grabbed the candy and coins, some curious people came up to ask what the relationship was between this family and Old Madam Qiao and Doctor Mu.
Madam He didn't hide anything and explained the relationship between the three families.
All three families are members of the Qiao family, and they are brothers and sisters from the same family, so their relationship couldn't be closer.
The news spread quickly in the neighborhood.
Half an hour later, Qiao Qinghe and the others had just finished touring the house and sat down in the living room when the gatekeeper came in to report that the neighbors had come to congratulate them with gifts.
Grandma Qiao was still happy, saying that her neighbors were so welcoming.
Then, Qiao Wangshi, filled with righteous indignation, recounted how she had encountered difficulties with her neighbors when she was renovating the house.
"These people must have been afraid of my aunt's arrival, which is why they came to apologize so eagerly."
Even though Qiao Wangshi was usually a good-tempered person, she couldn't help but get angry at these neighbors who changed their attitudes like flipping through a book. "Hmph, I'll go out and chase them away right now."
Qiao Qinghe quickly waved her hand, signaling the person to calm down, "Don't go out. I've already told He Shi. She'll handle it."
Upon hearing this, Lady Qiao angrily sat back down in her seat.
In the outer courtyard, Mrs. He saw neighbors arriving one after another with gifts. She accepted the gifts with a smile and had them registered. However, she did not allow any of the visitors to enter the house.
These people came to deliver congratulatory gifts, partly to apologize and partly to express their willingness to make friends.
By accepting the gifts on behalf of the Qiao family, Mr. He also meant that he accepted their apology and would not hold them accountable for the past.
The fact that they weren't allowed in meant that getting to know each other would have to wait and see.
The fact that these people came to deliver congratulatory gifts shows that they are sensible and know how to adapt to the times.
The He family only accepted the gifts but did not allow anyone to enter. They did not dare to object, and left with smiles and a few auspicious words.
When Mrs. He compiled the congratulatory gifts from the surrounding people into a book and handed it to Old Mrs. Qiao, Old Mrs. Qiao was quite surprised.
"Why are so many people bringing gifts? And the gifts they're giving are quite substantial."
Qiao Wangshi pursed her lips from the side. Heaven knows how many good things she and Qiao Jingyi said to people and how many apologies they made during that time.
Now you know to apologize with gifts? Where were you before?
Qiao Wangshi was filled with resentment.
Qiao Qinghe knew that Qiao Wangshi was really aggrieved, so she laughed and teased, "You're angry now? Why didn't you just slap her across the face earlier?"
"Do you think I'm calling you 'aunt' just for fun?"
Qiao Wangshi looked at Qiao Qinghe with emotion, "Aunt..."
Before Qiao Wangshi could finish speaking, Qiao Qinghe glared at her and said seriously, "From now on, your branch of the family will have to establish itself in the capital."
“Your family, Second Sister-in-law’s family, and my family—we are all members of the Qiao family, bound by the same blood.”
"Their bullying of you is also a slap in my face."
"My principle is that we don't cause trouble, but we are never afraid of trouble either."
"From now on, if you're right, you can argue back. If you can't win the argument, then go up there and slap her!"
"If anything goes wrong, I'll take responsibility!"
At this point, Qiao Qinghe paused, her gaze sweeping across the room, and she happened to see several children looking at her with bright eyes.
Seeing this, Qiao Qinghe raised her voice even more, "But remember this: if anyone dares to bully others, do unjust things, or cause trouble, don't expect me to stand up for them."
"Did you understand?"
"Understood!" Qiao Ze, Qiao Hai, and the other children answered loudly in unison.
Qiao Wangshi nodded repeatedly, her eyes sparkling.
Grandma Qiao hesitated for a moment, but not wanting to spoil the fun, she nodded and sternly instructed, "Did you all hear what your aunt and great-aunt said?"
"From now on, stand up straight and live an upright life."
"Yes!" everyone answered in unison once again.
***
After moving during the day, Qiao Jinglian left Beijing overnight and headed to the Xishan Camp.
Because the move to the new house was rushed, Mrs. He stayed on Changxing Street to help out for the next few days.
After purchasing servants and arranging stewards, and after all the tasks at hand were taken over, Madam He left with the people from the Qiao family in Nancheng.
After returning to the manor, Madam He changed her clothes and then reported to Qiao Qinghe.
"Has everything been handed over properly over there?" Qiao Qinghe asked, gesturing for someone to sit down.
Madam He sat down on the stool and replied with a smile, "Everything has been handed over. The servants and managers are all in place. Third Madam Qiao is a skilled housekeeper; she got up to speed very quickly. It's just that..."
Qiao Qinghe looked at Madam He, "What problem have you discovered?"
After a moment's hesitation, Madam He said, "The old lady has already written a letter back to Jiangnan, preparing to have Grandma Qiao and Grandma Qiao come to the capital."
Qiao Qinghe nodded, "I know about this. However, based on my understanding of my elder brother, I'm afraid my nephew's family will stay in Jiangnan, guarding their ancestral land and the family business passed down from the Qiao family."
"Now that everything in Jiangnan is in ruins and needs to be rebuilt, it is the perfect time for the Qiao family to make a comeback."
"The Qiao family will not abandon everything and move to the capital."
"So, if I'm not mistaken, only Jing Lian's family will come to the capital."
Mrs. He smiled and nodded, saying with no small amount of pride, "That's the same analysis my daughter He Rui gave me."
Qiao Qinghe smiled and praised, "He Rui has made a lot of progress in the past two years and has helped me a lot! Ask her later if there's anything she wants, just say so. I'll reward her with anything that's not too much."
Madam He quickly stood up, curtsied, and thanked her, saying, "I thank you on behalf of He Rui, Madam. I'll ask her about it later."
Qiao Qinghe raised her hand again, gesturing for He Shi to sit down and talk.
Mrs. He quickly sat down again.
“I’ve been staying at the mansion on Changxing Street these past few days, and I’ve seen the old lady several times in front of me and the other servants admonishing Third Madam Qiao to manage the household well and not to cause any trouble.”
"She also said that once the people from Jiangnan arrive in the capital, she won't have to manage the household anymore. She said that no matter how hard or tiring it is, it will only be for two or three months. She was told to be careful."
"I noticed that Grandma Qiao's complexion wasn't very good. I'm afraid she's holding a grudge."
“When Second Madam Qiao comes to the capital in the future, I’m afraid the two sisters-in-law will not have a peaceful time.”
Qiao Qinghe sighed; she didn't know what to say.
Has her mother gone senile? She's driving her perfectly good child to rebel.
"Have someone keep a close eye on the situation over there."
"yes."
"After a few days, once Madam Wang has sorted things out in the other household, have her come over. I want to have a good talk with her."
Qiao Qinghe thought for a moment, then sighed and added, "Let Jingyi come with his wife too."
Ultimately, the problem lies with him.
“If he can’t stand up, then Wang Shi can’t stand up straight.”
"I'll ask him about it later. He should find something worthwhile to do."
Madam He nodded in agreement, "The old lady is right."
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